Crystal Palace V Arsenal - Preview and possible lineups

Crystal Palace: Striker Christian Benteke returns to contention after missing the draw with Swansea through suspension, but defender Mamadou Sakho remains unavailable with a calf strain, whilst Joel Ward is also struggling with a groin problem.

Arsenal: Defender Nacho Monreal will miss the game after picking up an ankle injury against Liverpool, with the Spaniard expected to be out for 10 days. Striker Olivier Giroud is also out with a hamstring problem, though manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful he will return sooner than the initial four to six week prognosis. Finally, midfielder Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined with a hamstring complaint, but is expected to return in early January. Spanish schemer Santi Cazorla remains unavailable long-term.

Did you know?

Arsenal have lost just one of the last 14 meetings between the two sides in all competitions (L1, W10, D4).

Form:

The thoughts of Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson:

"We know that's what we've got coming; that's what we've got to try to find a way of trying to deal with and the only advantage we have is the fact that it is at home where our fans do give us enormous support and also they're sensible fans they realise that we have got a big job on our hands, they will be expecting us to give our all against Arsenal.

"But they won't necessarily be expecting that we are going to go out there and take Arsenal apart because they know what wealth and riches they possess compared to us; a much more modest Premier League team."

The thoughts of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

"What we want is to stop conceding goals, stop missing chances, but as well I want [my players] all to continue to play with the same spirit, the same determination and the same love of the game."

Possible lineups:

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Kelly, Dann, Tomkins, Schlupp, McArthur, Cabaye, Milivojevic, Loftus-Cheek, Townsend, Zaha. 

Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Wilshere, Xhaka, Iwobi, Ozil, Sanchez, Lacazette.